Shirley Patricia Tooke
1934-2023
It is with deep sadness, that we announce the passing of Shirley Tooke. Shirley passed away peacefully at Canmore Hospital in Alberta.
Shirley will be missed by her daughter Tamara, husband Andy, grandsons Kyle and Brodie, as well as her son Robert, wife Kate, grandkids, Georgia (husband Eli), Jacob and Owen. Shirley was sadly predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Glenn C. Tooke.
Shirley moved from Edmonton to Banff in the early 60’s with her husband Glenn. With a degree in teaching and a love of the performing arts, she quickly established herself as a drama teacher at The Banff School of Fine Arts. As one of her early students said “she was the first person that I met that took drama seriously”. With an ability to draw forth the hidden talents and instil confidence in her pupils she became highly sought after instructor and director. With guest teaching and directing jobs at Expo ’67 in Montreal, The Shakespeare Festival at Niagra-on-the-Lake and numerous appearances in Stratford Ontario. Later in her career Shirley directed many shows at the Banff Centre before starting Any Space Theatre Company, which specialized in plays about local history and events. She would setup just about anywhere in Banff and Lake Louise and entertain locals and tourists alike during the summer months. She relocated to Canmore after Glenn passed away in 1996, yet stayed involved with local theatre group, The Pine Tree Players, as well as directing a reading of A Christmas Carol every Christmas in Banff. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Canmore Hospital as well as Origins, her home for the past few years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you honour Shirley by supporting your local theatre company, or donate to the Canmore Hospital.
Friends are invited to join with the family for a Celebration of Life on Friday, April 19, 2024 between 3-6pm at the Canmore Opera House, 400 Spring Creek Dr., Canmore, Alberta.
